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ZipPicks Awards
Best Japanese in Koreatown
Master Critic Review
My Donkatsu
8.0
A Korean-Japanese katsu specialist that builds each set meal around house-made sauces paired to individual cutlets—pork belly, cheese, unagi—rather than offering a one-dip-fits-all approach. The banchan-style set format and rare unagi katsu option give it a distinct lane in Koreatown's dense dining scene. Expect a no-frills strip mall counter spot where the crunch-to-filling ratio and cutlet variety do all the talking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese Katsu, Pork Belly Katsu, Pork Katsu
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Korean-Japanese fusion katsu spot with rare unagi katsu, house-made sauce pairings matched to each cutlet, and complete banchan-style set meals.
Who should go: Katsu lovers seeking crispy, generous sets in Koreatown
When to visit: Weekday lunch for shorter waits and full menu
What to order: Start with the Cheese Katsu for the mozzarella pull, add a Pork Belly Katsu to share, and try the spicy green sauce on everything.
Insider tip: Each katsu is paired with a different house-made sauce — ask for extra of the light refreshing one with the pork belly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small free lot at the Chung Ki Wa strip mall plaza; street parking on Olympic Blvd can be tight during peak Koreatown hours
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-key date than a romantic one. This is a small, homey strip-mall spot in Koreatown with a warm, welcoming vibe — reviewers compare it to eating at a friend's house. The owner creates a personal, auntie-like atmosphere. Great if your date style is "let me take you to my favorite hidden gem" rather than candlelit romance. The food is excellent and conversation-worthy, but the setting is modest and casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is a walk-in spot. No reservation system has been identified online. It's a small restaurant in Chung Ki Wa Plaza, so seating is limited. It has a strong following as a hidden gem but hasn't hit the massive-line level of some nearby katsu spots. Weeknight visits are your safest bet. For weekend dinner, arrive early to avoid a potential wait. Call (213) 908-5534 to check current wait times. Closed Mondays.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, within reason — the casual, no-fuss atmosphere is naturally family-appropriate, and katsu (breaded fried cutlets with rice) is a crowd-pleaser for kids. Portions come with salad, rice, and cucumber salad, so there's variety. No dedicated kids menu has been confirmed, but prices are moderate ($15.95–$18.95) and dishes are shareable. High chair availability is not confirmed online — call ahead if needed. Best for kids who are comfortable in a small, casual setting.
Is it good for groups? Manageable for small groups of 4–5, but likely challenging for larger parties. This is a compact strip-mall restaurant with limited seating — no private rooms and no confirmed large-table setup. The menu is straightforward and affordable, making it easy to order for groups. For parties of 6+, call ahead at (213) 908-5534 to ask about seating arrangements. Don't expect to walk in with a big group on a weekend evening.
Is there outdoor seating? No outdoor seating available. The restaurant is inside a strip-mall suite (Chung Ki Wa Plaza) on Olympic Blvd with no patio or sidewalk dining area. All seating is indoors. Parking is available in the small plaza lot, though spaces are tight.
Best For
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday11:30am - 10pm
Wednesday11:30am - 10pm
Thursday11:30am - 10pm
Friday11:30am - 10pm
Saturday11:30am - 10pm
Sunday11:30am - 9:30pm